Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

    rewards header
    Become a member today!
    Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
    Already a member? Sign in
    Petco Pay LogoBecome a credit card member today!

    Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
    when you use Petco Pay!

    APPLY NOW
    Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My new rescue dog barks non-stop. How do I calm her anxiety?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Female | 1 year and 2 months old | 12 lbs

My brand new rescue (1 year old, most likely a Chihuahua/Terrier mix) was great the first three days other than barking at large dogs during walks. But now she is barking incessantly both inside and outside the apartment, and I'm not sure what is setting her off.

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

Published on November 23rd, 2016

Many dogs bark at sounds or unfamiliar objects or people, especially when they are first getting used to a new environment. If she is barking all the time, I suspect that she is somewhat anxious and "on-edge" about lots of different things - she may have been poorly socialized as a puppy, which often leads to excessive anxiety about new things and lots of barking as a result.

If you think this might be the case, there are a few things you can do to help. A DAP pheromone collar along with a natural calming supplement like Zylkene or Composure can help to relieve some of her anxiety - these can be purchased online with out a prescription, and are helpful for many dogs with this issue. Inside the house, you can also use a white noise machine or some other type of background noise to help block out sounds from outside that may trigger the barking.

Outside, I would carry treats with you when you take Mitsu for walks. Anytime she sees something and starts to bark, call her back to you and give her a treat. Over time, she will learn to look at you for her treat when she sees something that startles her, rather than barking and lunging. If you need help with this, I would suggest getting in touch with a good reward-based trainer who can work with you in person. You can search for a qualified trainer in your area here: www.ccpdt.org
Vote Icon1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Sara Farmer, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on January 20th, 2020

    It sounds like this dog has some behavior issues - she may be territorial when new people get too close to her space or fearful of specific people or situations in general. I doubt it would be related to her previous surgery but it's difficult to know. You could try a calming supplement like Zylkene or Composure or Adaptil spray if they are available in your area, but otherwise I'd recommend finding a trusted dog trainer or behaviorist.

    Vote Icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on March 16th, 2017

    She does sound very anxious! I'm not sure what caused this anxiety to start, and one recommendation I would make is to have her see a professional behavioral expert. The best way to treat this anxiety is to identify the cause behind it. Once the trigger is discovered, the behavioral expert can discuss training strategies for dealing with it. I'd also recommend getting her a DAP diffuser and a Sentry calming collar. The diffuser releases pheromones into the air that helps calm a dog, while the Sentry calming collar releases these pheromones when in contact with her skin. You may also discuss the use of anti-anxiety drugs in her with your vet.

    Vote Icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

    Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

    Published on August 16th, 2018

    Hi there. You could try a daily natural calming supplement such as Zylkene or Composure, if you want to. An Adaptil pheromone collar can also be helpful for mild anxiety issues.

    If these things don't help, you may want to consider seeing a veterinary behaviorist to discuss a more comprehensive treatment plan for her anxiety issues, which may include prescription medication if needed. You can search for one in your area here: www.dacvb.org

    Vote Icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Training & Behavior
My rescue dog barks constantly due to anxiety. How can I help?
I’m sorry you’re dealing with this! This type of behavior is often due to anxiety. I would strongly recommend talking to your vet (or having the owner talk to his vet) about anti-anxiety/ behavior modificatiion medication which can make a huge difference in making Nugget AND you more relaxed and comfortable. Best of luck to you and Nugget!
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Training & Behavior
Why does my dog bark at neighbors & kids after moving? Collar failed.
I am so sorry that Chata is barking so much. Some dogs feel the need to communicate all the time. If she is barking excessively at kids, it could be that she is experiencing a high level of anxiety when they approach her. I would recommend to contact your veterinarian to discuss possible anti-anxiety medicines to help take the edge off. These medications are NOT suppose to sedate them, but I have seen some good success with barking and similar anxious behaviors. Also, make sure the Chata is getting enough activity as some dogs will be excessive barkers if they have pent up energy. Finally, consider working with a dog trainer or a veterinary behaviorist. You can find one in your area on www.acvb.org. Here are some additional resources for you below: peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+2085&aid=153 pets.webmd.com/dogs/guide/understanding-why-dogs-bark#1 humanesociety.org/animals/dogs/tips/how_to_stop_barking.html
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
New Pet
My chihuahua suddenly barks at guests and on walks. How to stop?
Hi there. I'm so sorry to read about Scarlet's troubles. There are a lot of reasons dogs can bark. They can be nervous or scared, protective of their families, excited in general, curious, etc. Lack of structure and exercise can make them more nervous as well. Some dogs respond to you teaching them a "bark" or "speak" command in a very quiet setting when there isn't anything making them bark. This shows them that you will tell them when it's time to be vocal. You can also try crating her in a kennel when people come over. Once everyone arrives you can let her out to socialize. The kennel isn't for punishment, but just her private, comfortable area where he can feel secure when the stressful situation occurs. Placing her in the kennel in a separate room can also help break her of the barking if you just let him "bark it out" without yelling or responding to her until she is quiet. Desensitizing to the stimulus can be helpful too. I am including a link that I think has some good information about how to help with the barking behavior. However, please keep in mind that any aggression like growling, snarling, biting, or lunging at other dogs or people, should be taken seriously, and I would not continue to try training without a professional. And that being said, the best way to get this behavior under control is to contact a reputable trainer in your area who can work with you. I hope you find this answer helpful! Best of luck!
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
New Pet
My dog is anxious and barks at our new cat. How can I calm her?
Hi there! Betty sure sounds shaken up by her new housemate. There are some natural supplements you can try to help alleviate her anxiety. Zylkene is a natural supplement that your veterinarian can prescribe. It can be very helpful in these types of situations. Another product called, Canine Compsure, is also a natural supplement that may be helpful. I would try these products first. They should help with Betty's anxiety with her new friend. If those don't work, you may want to call a trainer in to evaluate Betty's behavior around the new cat. They may have some advice as to how you can help her work through it her issues. You may also want to keep Betty and the cat separate during the night too for a while, until Betty feels better about the whole situation. I hope you find this answer helpful! Best of luck!
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Training & Behavior
My dog barks and lunges at others on walks. How to reduce anxiety?
Poor Mia! If she is too upset to take treats, this means that you need to be further away from the things that are scaring her. Some dogs need a lot of distance at first! When you are far enough away for her to be comfortable, you can praise and reward her for calm behavior, then gradually work on moving closer as long as she's doing well. It can be challenging to do this on your own at first, so I would recommend getting in touch with a veterinary behaviorist or a good reward-based trainer who can work with you in person. You can search for a board-certified veterinary behaviorist in your area here (www.dacvb.org) or a qualified trainer here (www.ccpdt.org).
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Training & Behavior
My rescue puppy barks in his crate. What can I do to calm him?
Hi there. I would recommend giving Brady a special treat whenever you put him in his crate, such as a Kong toy stuffed with peanut butter. This will help to keep him busy so he doesn't bark, and will also teach him to associate good things with being in his crate. You should only leave him in the crate for short periods right now, and let him out before he finishes his treat so that he doesn't have a chance to get anxious or upset. As he gets more comfortable with the crate, you can gradually increase the amount of time he spends there. You could certainly try a Thundershirt if you want to - it seems to be helpful for some anxious dogs. Other things that might be helpful would include an Adaptil pheromone collar, or a natural calming supplement such as Zylkene or Composure.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
My dog barks and whines in public places. How can I make her calm?
Without seeing Daisy in person, it's hard to say why this might be. She may be anxious in crowded spaces, or there may be certain things that she sees sometimes that cause her to bark. You could try bringing along something for her to chew on to help keep her busy when she will need to be quiet and still for a bit, such as a Kong toy stuffed with peanut butter. If this doesn't help, I would recommend making an appointment with a good reward-based trainer who can evaluate her in person and help you develop some strategies to help her learn to settle quietly in these environments. You can search for a qualified trainer in your area here: www.ccpdt.org
Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Related Searches

Dog ToysDog FoodDog Anxiety VestsCalming Chews, Treats & Supplements for DogsDog Treats & ChewsDog Calming Aids and SupplementsCalming Dog CollarsCalming Sprays & Diffusers for DogsDog Anxiety MedicationDog Training & Behavior SuppliesDog Health & WellnessDog Collars, Leashes & HarnessesBark Collars for DogsTraining Clickers & Whistles for DogsDog MuzzlesCat Training & BehaviorDog Repellents & AttractantsDog Agility EquipmentDog Potty Training & CleanupDog Training Treats
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Share

Styled arrow button